Finding the Power of the Pen

On your journey to achievement, many will discover a principle or two that really grabs you.  These principles are things you have learned, used and found to make a world of difference in your life.  When you talk with others and try to encourage them on their journey, these principles are the ones you always pass on.  I have had many such principles in my experience, but few have made the powerful difference that writing things down has.

                If you have read my books, articles or blogs, you know that I have often told you to write something down.  I have you write out your goals in detail; make lists of things you want, need or must do.  I have encouraged you to think out problems on paper and to write out your daily tasks and mark them off as you accomplish them.  I believe that writing things down is key to anyone's search for success.

"The discipline of writing something down is the first step toward making it happen."

- Lee Iacocca

American Businessman/Author

                I would like to give you four reasons why this principle of writing things out is so important and how they work.

#1:  Writing Things Out Makes Them Tangible

                When we get a thought or idea it is just words floating around in our head.  You really cannot grab it or work with it.  It is like chasing a butterfly.  However, when we take a few moments and write it down we begin to give it life.  It becomes something that we can touch and work with.  Writing things down makes them real and useful to us.

#2:  Writing Things Out Gives Consistency

                If we keep our ideas only in our head, they will change each time we think about them.  There will be things we forget or that we add on every time we set out to work on it.  Once we write an idea down we give it the consistency that we can work with.  Each time you go to it, you found the same idea or goal that you began with.  It is hard to work with things that always change.

#3:  Writing Things Out Starts Action

                Nothing happens without action.  Once the action starts, however, it builds momentum and keeps moving forward.  The place where many people have the hardest time taking action is that first step.  Writing down your ideas and goals is the first step.  It is decisive action that will lead you to the next step and beyond.

#4:  Writing Things Out Defines Completion

                Once you start on your journey to the achievement of anything worthwhile, how do you know when you have arrived?  If you have written out, in detail, your desired results you will have the description you need to know where in the process you are.  It is a measuring tool that will also let you know that you have arrived at your goal.

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey.  To get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com. Be sure to sign up for the free membership and get even more tools to help you achieve your dreams.  

© 2018 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without permission of the author.